Party People sits in the same Austin-centric slice of cinema as Dazed and Confused as well as newer features like The Get Together. As the title implies, it’s also firmly ensconced in the genre of college kids trying to have a good time while growing up. It acquits itself well in both regards.
Director Joey LePage and writer (and spouse) Lindsey Robertson have created what looks like a comedy, and even has a few laughs, but absolutely has the bones of a more serious film. The dozen or so main characters in this ensemble piece are all grappling with the important, unimportant issues that belie the ages of 18-22.
Ostensibly, every character is trying to get to “the first big party of the year.” Or they just want the music turned down.
There’s a set of bros (Liam Booth, Gustavo Gomez, Joshua Edwards) who just can’t wait to get to the big shindig, but somehow get distracted by their RA (Vincent Acevedo Jr.). With a planned breakup on the horizon for one of the crew, maybe the urgency just isn’t there.
Two best friends (Anastasia Zavitsanos, Ola Mbonu) spend the night like two people waiting for Godot, but in this case, it’s looking for a parking space. With one at the “big school” and the other having smaller ambitions, it becomes clear how easy it is to grow apart after high school.
The sweetest short film within this film is a pair of mismatched neighbors (Matthew Daddario, Missy Malek) who seem to want to fall for each other, but are also cynical and just a little tired.
The funniest performance by far comes from George Basil, a gas-station attendant who has plenty of life advice and some questionable directions to the party for a pair of unlikely roommates (Trevor Peterson, Elisha Henig).
Austinites will really enjoy Party People for all of its locations and references. Who’d have ever thought Wheatsville Co-op would play a role in any movie? Dale Watson as a gruff barkeep is gold. Southwest University stands in well for the local state college.
Party People hits above its weight class in terms of both acting and story. College movies are often silly, and while there are some lightweight moments here and there, this is a film trying to capture the angst and confusion of this fraught time in the lives of young people. The people definitely want to party, but that’s just the beginning.
